1
as in startling
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
we all clustered around to hear the shocking news of our colleague's sudden death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in terrifying
causing fear
the shocking appearance of a shark just a few yards off shore
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disgusting
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment
the shocking behavior of some rowdies at the dance
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in gruesome
extremely disturbing or repellent
a soldier who had witnessed the shocking sight of his best friend being killed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in appalling
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
Mom was shocked by the terrible news that her cousin had died in an accident I was shocked to find out that I was the victim of identity theft
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in surprising
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
were shocked by the way the law against public intoxication was constantly being broken
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in frightening
to strike with fear
the sudden appearance of the ghost shocked us to the core
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shocking
State Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
Miles made the shocking decision to delay her professional career and return to college for a fifth and final season.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Keith Law, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
From shocking district alignments to puzzling travel debacles, many coaches were left shaking their heads in disbelief.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Adjective
This would be shocking for any president.
—State Rep. Matt Blumenthal, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
Miles made the shocking decision to delay her professional career and return to college for a fifth and final season.
—Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Others of note Left-hander Cooper Hjerpe had Tommy John surgery last spring and won’t return until some time this summer, a disappointing but hardly shocking development given his IL stints for elbow pain in 2023 and 2024.
—Keith Law, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
From shocking district alignments to puzzling travel debacles, many coaches were left shaking their heads in disbelief.
—Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shocking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shocking
Adjective
-
Each year, startling rises in defense spending seem nearer, but do not bring change.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Nevils shares startling data to support these expert testimonies.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Even the more terrifying creatures, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, have their own undeniable, deadly beauty.—
Becky Bartkowski,
AZCentral.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The story that introduced millions of streaming viewers to the Crain family and their terrifying home is getting a brand-new life — this time, on stage.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Epstein files reveal plenty of powerful people to have tolerated or participated in disgusting and shameful behavior.—
Gilad Edelman,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Hearing disgusting lies spread about my brother is absolutely gut-wrenching, and my family is deeply grateful so many people have stood up and helped tell his truth.—
Drake Bentley,
jsonline.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
This story is set in a gruesome, violent, vile world.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Throughout the last two days, Ivey centered himself in faith and gratitude — two grounding principles for a player whose career was derailed in January 2025 by a gruesome leg injury.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Of all the recent poster boys for appalling misbehavior by the State Police, Michael Proctor would of course rank number one.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Truly appalling friend counsel here from Mindy.—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Black also said Carr has emerged as a leader during her junior season — surprising him.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
5 Feb. 2026
-
After surprising her mother, Madison continued to try on wedding dresses and eventually found the one.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Clumsiness notwithstanding, bringing a criminal case against a journalist who was reporting on a protest is an authoritarian tactic—a means of frightening the press away from uncovering the truth.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
30 Jan. 2026
-
But monks there complained that the slain king was walking around at night, frightening them with strange sounds.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
One amazing season gets him almost 40% of the vote.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The Duffers, our wonderful, amazing creators, wanted to leave everybody with this level of optimism that the show has always given everyone.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shocking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shocking. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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